Apologia: Physical Science, Thermodynamics

The Physical Science class is using Dr. Wile's textbook, which has several weather modules.  I have been racking my brain for ideas to fill in a few gaps, such as more chemistry.  First, the class is going to complete the weather modules.  I had an idea!  Why not add a detailed lesson on thermodynamics that would dovetail with their text, weather, and lay some more ground work for Chemistry?  So, this lesson includes thermodynamics, thermal expansion, temperature vs. Heat, measurement, scales, energy transfer and calorimetry.  The class calibrated thermometers last week (Thermometer Calibration).  So they will start with TOP Science's free activity, Conduction and Convection, that involves a test tube, ice, and steel wool before Experiment 5.1 (Experiment 5.1 Video), Evaporation, Condensation, and Precipitation.  During the next class, the kids need to review terms and complete concept maps.  Our class meets for three hours each Wednesday.  There may be time to do Experiment 4.1, The Wonder of Water, and 4.2, Water's Polarity. (If the air is dry, we will demonstrate  this activity and re attempt 8.1, Lightning.  The best conditions are on a cold, dry day.  The way I demonstrate water's polarity is to 'bend' water.  The trick is to charge a glass rod with wool and put the rod next to a thin stream of water from the tap.  The water molecules are polar and attract the charge on the rod. Science Bob). It is hard to predict how long each activity might take.  As long as the kids are engaged, my policy is to let them modify or repeat the experiment to their satisfaction.  Last week, the kids crushed cans to demonstrate air pressure.  I have a box of crushed cans, now!  The class decided to film the can as it crushed with an explanation.  So, I line up several labs, pull the materials, and then gauge the pace based on feedback from the kids.  Below are some of the labs planned.

Here is a complete unit plan, Heat Transfer, which has great ideas for openers to convey the key concepts.
Flinn has a good demo, Heat Convection.
PASCO has a suite of activities Atmosphere designed for GLX apparatus available on line.  A GLX connects to sensors which collects data.  The TI 84 is preloaded with an application,  Easy Data and can connect to a temperature sensor.  Any thermometer is fine!
Vernier's Heating of Land and Water ties temperature to weather.